Last Friday, I printed out my modest list of 85 Twitter followers, clicked each person’s profile, visited their website, and wrote them a direct Tweet (a short message only they could see.) I took notes about who they were and what happened. For the record, I have met only three of my followers in person. Most were acquired after I posted 52 Links on Twitter for Business on this blog.

Where Are My Followers Located?

For background, I live in the Chicago area, as do 13 of my followers. Two of these people I know personally.

Now I appreciate that when I tweet about a marketing workshop in Chicago, followers in Bangalore, Israel and Budapest are alerted. Also I did not realize I had so many Chicago followers. I’m going to try to get better acquainted with them.

What Businesses Are My Followers In?

People use Twitter socially, but I’m interested in which kinds of business people are using it, and how. Here’s how my followers break down:

Lots of marketers and public relations people here, as I would expect. Media types like publishers and bloggers. Many many consultants. Other individuals like a home stager and sales exec, a “condoman,” and a women representing Yourfurniturelink.

Twitters with “make money” services included those selling multi-level marketing, real estate, systems for “creating wealth from birth” and one social network, Truemanity, where you can “help humanity with the self improvement process and make money.”

Artists were SarahJL, a DJ in Minneapois; KBarrrick, a fiber artist; several professional photographers, and guitar player. Didn’t expect to meet artsy types on Twitter.

In the Other category, two Twitterers declined to divulge any details. Another only admitted to being a Democrat in Alaska. Finally there were two mysterious followers, Yes or No (“You ask and I answer YES or NO. Simple”) andInkyBlotz, a psychologist in NY who seems to conduct online ink blot tests.

Here are my followers’ Twitter handles that appear to be business names, with type of business:

Here’s what happened when I sent direct messages to all my Twitter followers that Friday and Saturday.

Almost half — 46% — sent a direct message back within 2 weekend days. I got involved in tiny conversations about Twitter backgrounds, sign ordinances, bears in Alaska, the punched card era, blogger platforms, staging advice when you live with a collector, and internet privacy. One person thanked me for “writing a real live message.” I reminded a current client that I’m around when he needs me and firmed up a date to meet another. I tweeted a couple friends about broken links on their sites.

Potentially Useful, Deepened Connections?

Found a guy with great Delicious links and we added each other to our networks there. Had a few exchanges with power marketers about how local business can use Twitter. Several people asked me what SCORE Chicago did. (We’re a volunteer organization, helping people start and grow businesses.) Found someone to explain more about Myspace to me and connected to her there. Came across three Twitterers with whom I share many interests, so I invited them to connect in Linkedin, Facebook and Stumbleupon. (If you’re a Stumbler, please …)

Yep, it worked. Thanks, Larry, for the advice. I’m connected more firmly to some followers now.